Members said that this was the biggest and best parade yet, as more participants and spectators, including those from Oakland County and surrounding areas, showed up and took pride in their support of all military veterans.

Metro Detroit Veterans Coalition Trustee John Williams said that the parade has grown since its beginning in 2006, when 100 participated to the many hundreds that participated this year.

Two hundred American Legion Riders led off the parade from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 9 on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, with many other veteran motorcycle riders including a group who came from Florida to participate. Chapter 9 was ground zero for the planning and host to the meetings for the parade. Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces, many veterans’ service organizations, politicians, Corporate America and the public showed up and gave their support.

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Coalition members would like to thank everyone who participated either by marching, viewing or contributing in any way including press coverage, print, online, radio and television.

Plans are being made to continue to make this event a source of pride for everyone including the veterans and the public next year and into the future.

Dinner will be at 7:30 p.m. The event includes music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and a champagne toast at midnight.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. Advance ticket sales only.

For more information, call Joe 248-356-9423 or Bonnie 313-670-5992.

Holiday Adopt a Veteran Family Program

The Brain Injury Association of Michigan is seeking nominations for veteran or military service member families in need of assistance. The organization would like to match them with groups or individuals who would like to adopt them for the holidays.

This has been a successful effort over the last few years and Veterans Program Manager Richard Briggs, Jr., Major, USAF Retired, believes that it can be again.

The veteran or service member would have to provide their contact information, address, names, ages, sexes and sizes for clothing and a brief paragraph or two about them and their situation. The information is requested as soon as possible.

For more information, call Briggs 810-229-5880 or 800-444-6443. For more information about the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, visit www.biami.org.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.

About the Author

Sharon Longman has written for The Oakland Press for several years. Currently she is the Veterans Affairs columnist, featured every Sunday, and also writes features of local interest. Reach the author at sslstart@aol.com
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